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National Occupational Health Organization Reports That Threemile Canyon Farms Has a Healthy and Safe Workplace

National Occupational Health Organization Reports That Threemile Canyon Farms Has a Healthy and Safe Workplace

Published 04-18-06

Submitted by Threemile Canyon Farms

BOARDMAN, Ore. - The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety ("NIOSH") has issued a report on a field investigation of Threemile Canyon Farms, conducted in August 2005, finding no exposures to employees of ammonia or hydrogen sulfide at or above permitted exposure limits. (HETA Report #2005-0271-2996, April 2006).

NIOSH responded to complaints regarding potential exposure of employees to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and dust. NIOSH interviewed 56 employees (randomly selected), reviewed the farm's worker compensation report for 2005 and illness logs from the past 5 years, and conducted extensive field tests at various locations on the farm and dairy on August 9-11, 2005. These conclusions were reached (a summary of the NIOSH Report is attached).

    Ammonia levels are well below recommended exposure limits (we register 2-8 parts per million ... the exposure limit is 35 ppm).

    Hydrogen Sulfide levels are approximate one-half of the ceiling limit for NIOSH and one-quarter of the ceiling limit for OSHA.

    Employee symptoms of "watery eyes" and "itching throat" were determined to be dust related.

"While these results confirm that we have a healthy workplace, we are committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of workplace health and safety," said Marty Myers -- General Manager of Threemile Canyon Farms.

(NOTE: Threemile Canyon Farms is located 150 miles east of Portland, near Boardman, OR. The dairy farm operations are located on 93,000 acres. The farm and dairy employ 300 year round employees and 400 additional seasonal employees. The dairy consists of an 8,500-cow Jersey herd,7,500-cow Holstein herd and 25,000 replacement heifers and dry cows. Please see our website for additional information: www.threemilecanyonfarms.com.)

Highlights of the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation

On June 14, 2005, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received a confidential request by employees of Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Oregon regarding concerns about exposure to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and dust. NIOSH investigators conducted an investigation in August 2005.

What NIOSH Did

  • We took personal breathing zone and area air samples for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
  • We observed work practices.
  • We conducted employee interviews.
  • We reviewed the OSHA injury/illness log and worker's compensation
    records.

    What NIOSH Found

  • The concentration of ammonia was within recommended levels.
  • The concentration of hydrogen sulfide was within recommended levels.
  • Some employees had upper airway/mucosal irritation symptoms such as
    tearing eyes, coughing, and sneezing which were attributed to
    road dust.
  • Employees did not always use personal protective equipment.

    What Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy Managers Can Do

  • Maintain and change out air filters on heavy equipment cab ventilation systems on a scheduled basis.
  • Continue to take steps to control the dust levels by utilizing dust
    suppression techniques.
  • Provide fog-resistant face shields for employees whose work presents a potential for chemical splashes

    What the Threemile Canyon Farms, Columbia River Dairy Employees Can Do

  • Wear the required personal protective equipment for the job you are
    performing
  • Threemile Canyon Farms logo

    Threemile Canyon Farms

    Threemile Canyon Farms

    Threemile Canyon Farms blends one of the region's largest dairy operations with extensive production of potatoes and other crops. Recognized as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices, Threemile Canyon Farms is an Oregon-based joint venture owned by R.D. Offutt Company-Northwest and Bos family Oregon Farms. For additional information, visit our website: www.threemilecanyonfarms.com

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